BURTON were caught cold in their warm-up game before the resumption of their battle for survival in the Midlands Premier Division.
Defeat at the hands of the North Staffordshire side was no great surprise given their National League status, but the red and greens probably did not expect to be swept away on a tidal wave of five goals.
The Moorlanders are well known to Burton because the clubs share coaches and play a similar style of hockey.
However, Leek came out of the traps far quicker and their movement and finishing killed the game inside 15 minutes as they sprinted into a handsome lead.
A combination of bad decision making, slack marking and general sloppy play allowed Leek to run amok, giving Martin Jarvis no chance in the Burton goal.
However, despite the onslaught, Burton encouragingly fought their way back into the game and the last 55 minutes were very even as the visitors enjoyed the better of the second half.
Ball retention and structure was much improved throughout the second half and the squad also showed they had looked after themselves over Christmas, with fitness and energy levels being good.
Having not played since November 26, Burton have been able to get all of their players back from injury and, despite Angus Falconer fracturing a finger, the full squad will be available for the start of the second half of the league programme.
And the club still hope they will be able to add a couple of new players to their squad.
Burton return to action at the foot of the table with only two wins from 11 games in their first taste of Premier Division hockey.
However, skipper Ed Clamp is in a fighting mood as his side attempts to avoid an instant return to Division One.
He said: “The message is simple for the coming 11 games — win as many as possible and get as high up the table as possible.
“With uncertainty still surrounding how many will get relegated from the league it is vital we look to turn the positive finish to 2011 into points and maintain our Premier Division status.” Burton visit mid-table Rugby & East Warwick on Saturday, with a noon pushback.
BURTON 2nds finished on the wrong end of a 4-2 scoreline against their Leek counterparts at Shobnall.
Leek started with more intent than Burton and were a goal to the good within five minutes as poor marking at the back allowed their left winger an easy finish at the far post.
This prompted Burton, who improved the work-rate, and the game was very even for the remainder of the first half.
Eventually, Burton put together a neat passing move all the way down the right side, which was squared from near the by-line to allow Ben Elson to score easily from in front of goal.
At half-time, Burton went back to square one and conceded another goal very early in the second half.
This time it was Leek who were galvanised by the goal and Burton were soon 4-1 down, although goalkeeper James Morrison was very disappointed not to save the penalty flick for their fourth as it dribbled in very close to him.
Despite Leek at one stage being down to nine men because of yellow cards, Burton were unable to make any impression as they tired during the last quarter of the match.
With the last hit of the match, Elson turned in a speculative centre from Luke Pelech to bring some respectability to the scoreline.
BURTON 6ths emerged 6-3 victors against Leek 6ths in a match which was closely fought until the final 15 minutes.
Burton were never behind, but the game was tied at 3-3 before they made the game safe.
The goals were scored by John Healey (4), James Morrison and Rob Dean.
